This lesson introduces two numerical weather prediction (NWP) lightning hazard products that forecasters can use during a convective meteorological watch and to assess lightning risk at Day 2 and beyond. The first product is the Flash Rate Density, a derived, deterministic lightning product implemented in some NCEP high-resolution NWP models. The second product, the SPC Calibrated Thunderstorm Probability, combines forecasts of measurable precipitation and favorable lightning environments determined from the Cloud Physics Thunder Parameter. Information about these products is presented in the context of a case study in which learners determine the potential for lightning to impact a large outdoor event. In the process, they learn how to use the lightning products with traditional near- and nowcast diagnostics, such as radar, satellite imagery, and hourly HRRR analyses of convective instability.

Please go to Your Account page and enter a Username in the "Create a Username" text field.

Your Review*

Stars*

cboone43 2018-03-03 11:51:50

Very interesting!

seanmul 2018-02-15 10:40:22

A

RFMstudent 2017-10-15 18:05:22

The total case study approach is overly complicated and obtuse. The information presented needs to be organized on a more straightforward manner. It assumes familiarity with parts of the country that are foreign to may people. This may be of use to professional weather forecasters but it is of limited value to others who could potentially benefit from the information. This is the worst class I have taken through MetEd.

greg.koch 2017-05-17 15:59:46

Questions about radar trends versus FRD are poorly worded. Why are we comparing radar imagery alone for our comparison to the FRD? AWIPS has NLDN and ENI lightning products which are more directly correlated to lightning activity.
"CIN becomes more positive through the period." I understand that CIN is a negative number and that as it becomes more positive the convective cap is weakening. But this is awkwardly worded. Several of the questions in this lesson are awkward.

2017-04-20 18:17:49

There is some value

benjaminfawcett 2017-03-31 14:47:23

good

stingrazor20 2017-03-30 17:27:54

N/A

BTRWx 2017-03-24 09:46:00

This is lesson is good practice for learning how to detect lightning operationally and knowing what tools to use.

Suzukivstrom 2017-03-20 13:47:51

The lesson was more focused on the forecast of lightning vs. the basic understanding of the terminology and concepts/principles behind what makes the different products relevant.

acsuh85 2017-03-15 13:28:51

neutral

NDubSki 2017-03-12 09:54:32

Neutral

ashishmet 2017-01-17 09:54:27

A good attempt for short range prediction of thunderstorm/lightning using NWP.

pic2 2017-01-08 12:39:50

This is on the job training, as well as educational .

2016-12-30 10:08:00

One of the radar runs (I believe part 2 of question 9 on the quiz) would not load. Difficult to answer the question when you can't see the product.

robyndyck 2016-12-19 09:37:43

I think a summary of the parameters need to be given at the end. It was a great case study. It was very operationally relevant.

2016-12-15 19:10:44

Excellent module. Highly informative and educational

francis.wu@canada.ca 2016-12-15 18:54:32

Pretty interesting to learn about the short range forecasting tools available for diagnosing convective potential and real-time weather watch.

jobrien@fox59.com 2016-11-21 06:28:25

Thoroughly enjoyed and a great refresher on what models are out there for our disposal!

Support Form

MetEd Use FAQ

In order to better serve our users and sponsors, access to our online materials requires registration. To learn more about registering or to get help with common questions about our site, please visit our FAQs.

Legal Notices and Reuse of MetEd Material

Most of the material made available on MetEd is free for non-commercial, educational use. We encourage you to use our material to enhance your education and training efforts. To review the legal-speak with all the nitty gritty details, see our Legal Notices page.